The original Micro:bit V1 (left) remains a powerful tool for teaching data logging and IoT fundamentals, even alongside the feature-rich V2 (right) produced using ChatGPT Introduction Before you drop those original Micro:bit V1 boards into the recycling bin, ask yourself this: what if the board without all the bells and whistles is actually the better teaching tool? As we move further into 2026, many educators find their storage bins filled with V1 boards — the ones without the notched gold edge connectors. With the V2 boasting a built-in microphone, speaker, touch-sensitive logo, and a faster processor, it's tempting to assume the V1 is obsolete. But is it really? The answer, perhaps surprisingly, depends entirely on what you are trying to teach — and the V1 makes a far stronger case for itself than most people expect. The Technical Trade-off To be fair to both boards, the V2 is the clear winner for AI, audio, and machine learning projects — and if your budget allows, ...
Robotics within the teaching of Problem-Solving Volume/Issue: Vol 7, Issue 1 Date: Sunday, 1 June, 2008 Journal Name: ITALICS Author(s) Scott Turner Gary Hill Abstract This paper considers the experiences of teaching on a module where problem-solving is taught first, then programming. The main tools for the problem-solving part, alongside two problem-solving approaches, are tasks using Mindstorm (LEGO, Denmark) robot kits. This is being done as a foundation step before the syntax of a language (Java) is taught to enable a Graphical User Interface (GUI) emulation of a previous robot problem. Results of student evaluation and feedback will be presented and the use of two simulators will be considered. Full paper available at: https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/robotics-within-teaching-problem-solving or PDF version https://www.heacademy.ac.uk/sites/default/files/ital.7.1h.pdf All opinions in this blog are the Author's and should not in any w...